I have a rifle elk hunt planned for Colorado. I've hunted there before and realize I need a quality pair of optics. The top of the line models are out of my price range, so I've narrowed it down to the following: Windriver Pinnicle, Zeis Conquest, Steiner Predator, and Kahles. I'm looking for anyone who has used or knows anything about these models. Has anyone seen any "reviews" that lean one way or the other? I've tried them all, and they all seem pretty equal except possibly at dawn and dusk. I was also wondering if I should go with 10 or 8 power. Thanks in advance.
Patchboy, Just do a search for Bino's. Over the past several months this has been beat to death and everyone has an opinion, especially when they're spending your money! Good Luck
Out of the group you listed, and speaking from an optical quality standpoint, I prefer the Zeiss Conquests. The only drawback though is that they are only offered in the 8x30 and 10x30 configurations. Neither would be my first choice especially for the type of dawn/dusk viewing done for hunting.
Next choice would probably be the WindRiver Pinnacles. I believe they are offered in both an 8x42 and 10x42 configuration. Most folks hunting out west tend to favor the 10x magnification though I believe that choice is ultimately up to you.
The Kahles brand of binoculars, in my opinion, are a bit overpriced for the optical quality that they deliver. Cabelas sells them from $700 on up, depending on configuration. I would probably opt for a Pentax DCF-SP before going the Kahles route as I feel they offer better optical quality for slightly less price.
The Kahles brand of binoculars, in my opinion, are a bit overpriced for the optical quality that they deliver. Cabelas sells them from $700 on up, depending on configuration. I would probably opt for a Pentax DCF-SP before going the Kahles route as I feel they offer better optical quality for slightly less price.
I concur with that they are overpriced...I think you can get away with 30's in a lot of cases if they are excellent glass plus they don't put a crick in your neck. I have dealt a lot with www.eagleoptics.com and www.eurooptics.com and they can be very helpful in making a decision.
__________________
"Banning guns is an idea whose time has come."
- Joseph Biden
Associated Press 11/18/93
"Be thankful that we're not getting all the government we are paying for." Will Rogers
I did a lot of looking before I bought the zeiss victory II's. I got them on ebay from an authorized dealer for about $800. I go to Colorado elk hunting every year and if I am going to fork out $500 for a license, I might as well invest in quality optics.
Got my Zeiss Conquest 10x30's for just over $400 at either SkyOptics or some other place online. Just make sure they cover the Zeiss lifetime warranty. I've only had them 1 season but they are the best I've ever used. My wife has the Zeiss Diafun in the same power and they are about the same so if you're looking to save some money you can get those for just over $300 I think. Highly recommended, Zeiss has great glass. If you get a chance to look through them at a store that would be the best to try comparred to what your eyes like.
You should also look at the Nikon LX's. Try to find the Venturer model which has since been upgraded to the LXL. The only difference is a few oz's of weight. They are awesome glass.
Well, from your post, these aren't on your top choices, but you might want to try Pentax 8x40. You talked about moneya and I don't know your price riange but they were right at $165 when I got them. They are a great pair in low light and can stand up to the elements just fine.
I agree that the Kahles are overpriced for the quailty they deliver. I looked at them long and hard before I bought my Swaro's. I decided if I was going to shell out that kind of cash, I might as well get the good un's (about $200 more). I personally do a lot of glassing in low light conditions, and the larger objective lenses do make a difference. I also like 10x power, especially when I'm on vacation in the mountains of New Mexico trying to spot elk.
__________________
You may beat the rap, but you won't beat the ride!
Need Binoculars for Colorado hunt.
